Decided to do Disneyland once in my life

[SeattleRedBear]

I'd suggest hanging out on the Disneyland forum to answer some of your questions. In addition, HydroGuy has an excellent guide that highlights the differences between the two resorts.

 

[Andynnj]

Thanks everyone. I read the DL forum but didn't find near the information you all have provided.
Three friends going June 10-14 (figured weekdays would be a tiny bit less crowded) and I am about to bust with excitement. Staying at the GC, 3-day park hopper; was thinking one day at each park with a third day to do awesome things again. I have no set style: I ride my favorite rides over and over (though my ultimate favorite Thunder Mtn RR is not open at DL) but try to hit everything. A friend gave me a guide and I have been watching youtube vids of the rides and all the Disneyland shows on Destination America (or whatever that channel is called now). I am very happy that rides like Mr Toad (special memory of riding with my Mom my first trip to WDW when I was 15) are still open and can't wait to ride the Matterhorn!
Also, very excited to see the park that really reflect's Walt's touch.
Don't hesitate to message me or post if you think of anything else that I need to know.

 

[jeanigor]

Weekdays are a far better bet. Have fun!!!

 

[Andynnj]

Just testing my signature

 

[greenkai3000]

Y'all are going to LOVE the Grand Californian! Everyone is super nice there! The best breafast/character buffet in all of DL, IMO, is at the Storytellers Cafe.

By all means make sure you take advantage of Early Entry hours offered by the Hotel. People will be lining up as early as 1 hour before EEH (or 2hrs before regular park hours).

When you go to Disney California Adventure first thing in the morning, use the main gates to enter, as opposed to the GCH gate inside the hotel. You'll get to Carsland faster from the main gates , because they hold back guests entering from the hotel gate during EEH for some odd reason.

Once you're inside the park, stick to the FAR right side of the rope that they walk you behind , as you'll be making a hard right to get to Radiator Springs Racers and don't want to be pushed towards the back of the line by everyone who's on the right side. Then get a Fast Pass afterwards to ride it again at night. Totally worth it, when Ornament Valley looks awesome at night.

When you go to Disneyland Park make sure you hit up Fantasyland straight away as that's where everyone else will be headed too. Peter Pan's Flight is the most popular ride there, followed by Dumbo, Mr Toad's Ride, Alice in Wonderland, Casey Jr Train, and Storybook Canals. Save the Matterhorn, and Nemo's submarine for regular park hours as they can take up to 30 mins of your EE time! Then run over to Space Mountain, get a Fast Pass, and ride it right afterwards. This is about the time when regular guests will be allowed to enter the park. Next, head over to Indy and get a FB and ride it afterwards. You can then enjoy the rest of your day at a slower pace. Hope that helps you a bit!

 

[Andynnj]

Then run over to Space Mountain, get a Fast Pass, and ride it right afterwards. This is about the time when regular guests will be allowed to enter the park. Next, head over to Indy and get a FB and ride it afterwards. You can then enjoy the rest of your day at a slower pace. Hope that helps you a bit!

I set you a PM but not sure if it sent because it's not in my sent box. Just want to clarify that you are saying to grab FP then immediately get in line and ride (saving FP for later). Thanks again!

 

[jeanigor]

I set you a PM but not sure if it sent because it's not in my sent box. Just want to clarify that you are saying to grab FP then immediately get in line and ride (saving FP for later). Thanks again!

That's what I would take from what he said. Also I would do, as it is good practice for getting the most rides in.

 

[greenkai3000]

Hello again Andynnj,

I just checked my messages today, sorry for the late response. Yes, grab a FP for SM, save it, then jump in line to ride it right away.

Also, the last two times we've gone to DL we were able to get passes for Roger Rabbit's Car-toon Spin in Toontown while we still had FPs for something else. Roger is one of the few rides that's not "connected" to the FP system... It's sort of like having a bonus FP. I forget which other rides offer that though.

Below you can see links to my pics from our previous trip, bad hair and all. Enjoy!

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152341507165613.949297.500960612&type=3

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152340838550613.949205.500960612&type=3

 

[Andynnj]

Hello again Andynnj,

I just checked my messages today, sorry for the late response. Yes, grab a FP for SM, save it, then jump in line to ride it right away.

Also, the last two times we've gone to DL we were able to get passes for Roger Rabbit's Car-toon Spin in Toontown while we still had FPs for something else. Roger is one of the few rides that's not "connected" to the FP system... It's sort of like having a bonus FP. I forget which other rides offer that though.

Below you can see links to my pics from our previous trip, bad hair and all. Enjoy!

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152341507165613.949297.500960612&type=3

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152340838550613.949205.500960612&type=3

Awesome. Thank you! It won't let me access your FB photos but I will take your word for it. lol

 

[Andynnj]

Thanks to everyone for your great advice - it helped us manage the rides/queues and ride the best rides multiple times. Y'all are awesome.

I found DLR (both parks) to be interesting: to be honest, it seemed almost as if another company besides Disney is running it given the differences between it and WDW. I found only about a third of the cast members really demonstrated the typical Disney customer service. The ticket entrance/exit procedure was inconsistent and I was never able to figure it out because cast members would tell me something different each time I asked about it. A lot of rides were breaking down. There are no table service restaurants for bfast in DCA. The crowds were very different than in WDW; a lot of rudeness and "holding places in line" for large groups of people. A lovely drunk redneck family called us homophibic slurs and tried to pick a fight when we were at World of Color (which we loved. The show, not the slurs). Downtown Disney was kind of sad, really, compared to WDW. I know, I know, I shouldn't compare the two resorts.

The good outweighed the bad though. Our concierge coordinator gave us a better view since it was our first time to DLR. The rides were a blast and the differences between the rides here and MK make it all the more special. DL was charming and fun and the castle was adorable. I absolutely loved the original rides and their space mountain track! DCA was nice and I really enjoyed Cars even though I haven't seen the movies. I can't wait until they build Cars Land at WDW (please please please let them include RSR)! Re: RSR, I had never seen people actually running to get to a ride (I love Disney, but it wasn't happening). The entrance to DCA from the GC was a great perk and helped us make our dinner reservation on time.

I will definitely go back at some point, especially since I didn't get to ride BTMRR! Plus I have to ride RSR and SM a few more times. Maybe GDs one October?

 

[Royal Consort]

Thanks to everyone for your great advice - it helped us manage the rides/queues and ride the best rides multiple times. Y'all are awesome.

I found DLR (both parks) to be interesting: to be honest, it seemed almost as if another company besides Disney is running it given the differences between it and WDW. I found only about a third of the cast members really demonstrated the typical Disney customer service. The ticket entrance/exit procedure was inconsistent and I was never able to figure it out because cast members would tell me something different each time I asked about it. A lot of rides were breaking down. There are no table service restaurants for bfast in DCA. The crowds were very different than in WDW; a lot of rudeness and "holding places in line" for large groups of people. A lovely drunk redneck family called us homophibic slurs and tried to pick a fight when we were at World of Color (which we loved. The show, not the slurs). Downtown Disney was kind of sad, really, compared to WDW. I know, I know, I shouldn't compare the two resorts.

We discovered the same thing: cast member inconsistency, unconcerned irritable CMs and sometimes very rude guests. Completely different experience from WDW. I usually shush my mouth because I upset the Disneylanders but I don't believe Disneyland is a patch on the Magic Kingdom (even though many of the rides are better). Since we hit Disneyland straight from Disney World the differences were far more enhanced.

 

[tinkerbellandeeyor]

Yeah, Disneyland is still pretty awesome. It might even be awesome-er. It is a different type of trip than WDW, but there are so many things that are better at DL or rides/attractions you can't see in Florida.

Here is my quick list:

Better at DL
1.Pirates
2.Space Mountain-waaay faster and smoother ride
3.Downtown Disney (you can walk there from all the resort hotels plus most good neighbor hotels)
4.Splash Mountain
5.Small World-by a mile
6.Fantasmic-by a mile
7.Main Street USA (theming is more authentic-this land in its original form ie the one at DL was inspired by Marceline, his home town. The one in Orlando has a more Victorian feel. Nothing wrong with it, just not exactly what he intended.)

Not at WDW But Available at DL
1.Matterhorn Bobsleds-Walt helped develop this ride and used to ride it himself!
2.Indiana Jones-one of my absolute favorite rides!
3.Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
4.Snow White's Scary Adventures
5.California Screamin'
6.Storybookland Canal Boats
7.Sleeping Beauty Castle Walk thru attraction
8.Cars Land! This is a big one. It is awesome!
9.Radiator Springs Racers (in Cars Land). Park guests who have visited both parks have declared this the best attraction ever at a Disney park!
10.Bugs Land-just about the cutest thing you'll ever see.

Ok so there are plenty more things I could list or describe, but that is enough to get you excited I hope. Check out my DL Dining Review to see samples of some of the food, which is also excellent, but in a different way. You don't need as many ressies and can just eat what you feel like almost all of the time with very good counter service options that serve you on real plates and with real silverware!

Depending on the weather and how long you will be staying, you can visit a beach and really take in the whole southern California experience. Or you can stay at the DLR or a good neighbor resort and walk anywhere and everywhere you might need to go! It's great having everything within walking distance.

I know you will have a great time, but there is so much to see and do, that I'd recommend you get a Birnbaum's guide to DL just so you can brush up on what's availabe so you don't miss out. I have seen other WDW fans go to DL for a one-time trip and they don't realize all there is to see and do, so they leave with the impression that DL is somehow "less than" WDW.

As was once said to us by a cast member..." The biggest difference between DL and WDW is that you can see Walt's hand all over DL".

Sorry hijacking just to say going for my first visit in 2015 can't wait